History is not just about dates and quotations. And it's not just about politics, the military and social issues, though much of it of course is about that. It's about everything. It's about life history. It's human. And we have to see it that way. We have to teach it that way. We have to read it that way. It's about art, music, literature, money, science, love - the human experience.

Read somewhat in the English poets every day. You will find them elegant, entertaining and constructive companions through your whole life.

If we think back through our own lives, the subjects that you liked best in school almost certainly were taught by the teachers you liked best. And the teacher you liked best was the teacher who cared about the subject she taught.

We still dislike hypocrites. It's a very American characteristic. We still like people who have ideas and who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. We're very forgiving of failures and very willing to give people a second and third chance if they mean to do better and are sorry for what they've done.

I'm very aware how many distractions the reader has in life today, how many good reasons there are to put the book down.

Spotting talent is one of the essential elements of great leadership.

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives. - John Adams